Synonyms
Creatinine, Serum
Special Instructions
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Within 1 day
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.1
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; improper labeling
Test Details
Use
A renal function test used in eGFR calculation.2
High creatinine: Renal diseases and insufficiency with decreased glomerular filtration, urinary tract obstruction, reduced renal blood flow including congestive heart failure, shock, and dehydration; rhabdomyolysis can cause elevated serum creatinine. Low creatinine: Small stature, debilitation, decreased muscle mass; some complex cases of severe hepatic disease can cause low serum creatinine levels. In advanced liver disease, low creatinine may result from decreased hepatic production of creatinine and inadequate dietary protein as well as reduced muscle mass.3